Operations Manager in San Jose, California at Mexican Heritage Plaza

POSITION OVERVIEW & DESCRIPTION

The Mexican Heritage Plaza (MHP) is seeking a highly organized and solutions-oriented Operations Manager, HR & Facilities to oversee the day-to-day operational and human resources functions that support MHP's programs, events, facilities, staff, and community activities. This role ensures that organizational systems, facilities, vendors, and administrative processes run efficiently, while also supporting employee relations, onboarding, and consistent administration of HR policy across departments. The ideal candidate is proactive, adaptable, and comfortable balancing operational and people-focused priorities in a fast-paced environment. As MHP expands its cultural programming and community footprint, this role will help build the operational and HR infrastructure needed to support sustainable growth.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
MHP envisions a world where creativity inspires compassion and vibrant communities. The organization’s mission is to catalyze creativity and empower the community. MHP is guided by the following values:

• LEADERSHIP: We believe that a shared leadership model is rooted in and informed by the individual as well as the collective, and we value the leadership held by all members of our team and community.
• VOICE: MHP will use its platform, institutional power, and influence to ensure that the hopes, needs, and concerns of the community we serve are seen and recognized.
• CREATIVITY: We believe in the transformative power of the arts. Creativity is the foundation of our humanity.
• HERITAGE: Heritage encompasses cultural traditions and foundations that groups share. We connect to our collective past experiences as they inform and help to define current contexts and future hopes. We celebrate our heritage even as we create new experiences.
• INCLUSION: Inclusion is a state of belonging. MHP believes that equitable access to resources ensures a thriving community. Therefore, the Mexican Heritage Plaza is open and welcoming to everyone.
• PLACE: The concept of place is broader than a single facility. As an anchor organization for East San Jose, the Mexican Heritage Plaza activates the vibrancy and celebration of our local community. We take pride in the richness and potential of our Eastside neighborhoods.
• SERVICE: MHP considers itself a servant of the community. We recognize that in order to inspire leadership, we must approach every interaction from a place of humility and respect.

With a dynamic staff, the MHP delivers unique classes, activates the Mexican Heritage Plaza (MHP) through community events, and offers cultural programs that embrace all, while rooted in the arts. Activating the MHP main campus and acquiring a new commercial property across the street will create opportunities for increased programming and community services. This expansion project will take place over the next several years, and MHP will continue serving local residents, engaging over 100,000 people annually in community events and arts experiences.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Operations & Process Management
• Oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring facilities, processes, and resources effectively support programs, events, staff, and visitors.
• Develops and maintains operational procedures and systems that improve efficiency, consistency, and accountability.
• Identifies operational challenges and works with departments on practical solutions.
• Assists leadership with special projects and operational planning as needed.

Facilities & Vendor Management

• Coordinates day-to-day facility needs, including routine walkthroughs to identify maintenance, safety, or cleanliness concerns.
• Manages vendor and contractor relationships, including scopes of work, performance, agreements, and insurance documentation.
• Coordinates space, access, and equipment needs for programs, meetings, and events.
• Serves as MHP's point of contact for day-to-day operations at an additional partner site where MHP provides contracted operational services, including oversight of onsite staff and prompt response to issues as they arise.
• Supports emergency preparedness and safety protocols.

Budget, Purchasing & Inventory

• Develops and monitors operational budgets, purchasing, and expenditures within approved limits.
• Maintains inventory and tracking systems for equipment, keys, and operational assets.
• Coordinates with Finance on purchase requests, invoices, and budget tracking.

Event & Program Operations Support

• Collaborates with Events, Production, Programs, and other departments to support event and program execution, including facility access, security, and site readiness.
• Participates in planning meetings and post-event debriefs, identifying operational risks and improvements.
• Provides onsite operational support for events as needed.

Staff & Onsite Coordination

• Serves as an operational resource for staff on facilities, supplies, vendors, and access questions.
• May supervise operations or facilities staff, providing coaching, feedback, and support for development.

Safety, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Supports compliance with safety procedures and operational standards, including inspections and incident documentation.
• Establishes tracking tools and metrics to monitor operational performance and recommends process improvements.
• Builds collaborative relationships across departments, grounded in MHP's nonprofit mission and community responsibilities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Facilities Management, Hospitality, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in operations, facilities, administration, or event operations.
• Experience managing relationships with external partners, vendors, or multi-site operations.
• Experience with HR administration, employee relations, or HRIS systems.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, vendors, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and other business or administrative software.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience within a nonprofit, cultural institution, or shared/multi-tenant facility environment.
• Experience supporting large-scale events, performances, or facility rentals.
• Experience with facility operations, maintenance coordination, or vendor management.
• Experience supervising employees or operational teams.
• Familiarity with California employment law basics and HRIS platforms (e.g., Rippling).
• Conversational proficiency in Spanish.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness of the unique strengths, needs, and opportunities of the East San Jose community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to move throughout office, classroom, theater, event, and outdoor spaces on MHP's campus.
• Ability to occasionally assist with room setup, moving supplies or equipment, and event setup/breakdown.
• Ability to stand, walk, and bend for extended periods during facility walkthroughs and event support.
• Ability to work extended or irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to support events and operational needs.
• Ability to travel occasionally between MHP's campus and an additional partner site in San Jose.
• Ability to respond promptly to operational issues as they arise, including at an off-site location.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.